Automating Your Data Collection

Incomplete data can defeat the purpose of collecting it in the first place

Reduces the cost of acquiring the data

Saves money – Pay employees to perform the job you hired them for, not to gather data

Saves time – Less time collecting data is more time to produce = greater output per shift

Increases the amount of data available to you

You need data to make good decisions – make sure you have it

Leverages the software you already own

Has your substantial investment in an ERP system turned into a really expensive accounting package because it is too hard to get data into it to use all the features available?

The following examples and models are designed to help you calculate the expected benefits from an automated data collection project. We focus on the reduced cost in acquiring data only.

Also note that this only captures of the benefit of automated collection over manual collection (pen and paper). If you are not already collecting data, the benefits are significantly higher. See “Data Drives Better Decisions Leading to Higher Profitability and Sales” here.

Automated Data Collection Benefits Analysis for Manufacturers

The following are examples representative of projects we’ve worked on with our customers. Downloadable Excel spreadsheets follow to allow you to customize the calculations to your business. Please contact us if you would like assistance modifying the analysis.

Material and Throughput Tracking:

In this example, we are looking at the benefits of automating work in process (WIP) and finished goods (FG) tracking during the production process (often called work order tracking). Automating also creates the opportunity to get full serialization and traceability on your products.

Labor Tracking

In this example, we are looking at the benefits of automating labor tracking. These systems link the hours of each employee to a specific job and get that data directly into your existing ERP system. The same system is often used to collect WIP and/or FG.

Note: There are many time card and time management solutions out there to choose from. The advantage of the Element ID solution is cost. Data goes directly from the input terminal to your existing ERP software with no middleware or ongoing license fees. Additionally, the labor system is often combined with a Work Order tracking solution running on the same appliance.